Always observe the operating instructions of
the respective manufacturer when using suit- able load securing aids or tie downs. In par-
ticular, the information on service life.
Load securing aids and tie downs may not be used, for example, if:
R identification marks are missing or illegible
R there are yarn breakages, damage to bear-
ing seams or other signs of tearing
R there are signs of shearing, deformation,
pinching or other damage
R there is damage to clamping or connecting
elements
Such load securing aids and tie downs are
worn; they should not be used and must be
replaced. If you use load securing aids or tie
downs which are worn, the load may not be
sufficiently secured and could cause damage
to property.
After an accident, the following must be
checked at a specialist workshop:
R Cargo compartment floor
R Load surface
R Cargo tie-down rings
R Tie downs
Otherwise, the load may not be correctly
secured the next time anything is stowed.
Even if you follow all loading guidelines, the
load increases the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Observe the tips in the "Securing
luggage/loads" (Y page 242) and "Load dis-
tribution" (Y page 242) sections. Before loading
! The anti-slip mats cannot be used for
securing goods and must be replaced when
they show signs of:
R Permanent deformation and crushing
R Crack formation
R Cuts X
Tire pressure: check the tire pressure and
correct if necessary (Y page 288).
X Cargo compartment floor: clean the
cargo compartment floor.
The cargo compartment floor must be free
from oil and dust, dry and swept clean to
prevent the load from slipping.
X Place non-slip mats (anti-slip mats) on the
cargo compartment floor if necessary. During loading
! On passenger van versions with maxi-
mum seating layout, the permissible rear
axle load would be exceeded if the full pay-
load were to be loaded in the cargo com-
partment.
X Observe the gross axle weight rating and
permissible gross vehicle weight for your
vehicle.
Take into account that your vehicle's curb
weight is increased if accessories or
optional equipment are installed. The max-
imum payload is thus reduced.
X Observe the notes on load distribution
(Y page 242).
The overall center of gravity of the load
should always be as low as possible, cen-
tered and between the axles near the rear
axle.
X Secure the load (Y page 242).
Observe the legal requirements of the
country in which you are currently driving. Checks after loading
G
WARNING
Combustion engines emit poisonous exhaust
gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the sliding door or rear door is open when the engine is
running, exhaust gases can enter the vehicle
interior, especially during the journey. There
is a risk of poisoning. Loading guidelines
241Transporting loads
Z
Always switch off the engine before opening
the sliding door or rear door. Never drive the
vehicle when the sliding door or rear door is
open.
X Securing loads: check that the load is
secure before every journey and at regular intervals during a long journey, and correctif necessary.
X Doors: close the sliding doors and rear
doors.
X Tire pressure: adjust the tire pressures
according to the vehicle load (Y page 288).
X Driving style: adapt your driving style
according to the vehicle load. Load distribution
General notes
! Excessive loads on individual points of the
cargo floor or on the load surface impair
vehicle handling characteristics and could
cause damage to the floor covering.
The overall center of gravity of the load should
always be as low as possible, centered and
between the axles near the rear axle.
On Cargo Vans/Passenger Vans:
X Always transport loads in the cargo com-
partment.
X Always place the load against the backrests
of the rear bench seat.
X Move large and heavy loads as far towards
the front of the vehicle as possible against
the rear bench seat. Stow the load flush
with the rear bench seat.
X Always additionally secure the load with
suitable load-securing aids or tie downs. Observe the following notes:
R Do not stack loads higher than the upper
edge of the backrests.
R Transport loads behind seats that are not
occupied.
R If the rear bench seat is not occupied, insert
the seat belts crosswise into the buckle of
the opposite seat belt. Securing loads
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
If you attach the tie-down incorrectly when
securing the load, the following may occur in
the event of abrupt changes in direction, brak- ing maneuvers or an accident:
R the cargo tie-down rings may become
detached or the tie-down may tear if the
permissible load is exceeded
R the load may not be restrained.
This may cause the load to slip, tip over or be tossed about, striking vehicle occupants.
There is a risk of an accident and injury.
Always tension the tie-downs in the proper
manner and only between the described
cargo tie-down rings. Always use tie-downs
designed specifically for the loads. G
WARNING
You may not transport anyone in the cargo
compartment or on the load surface. Never let more people ride in the vehicle than there areseat belts available. Make sure everyone rid-
ing in the vehicle is correctly restrained with a
separate seat belt. Never use a seat belt for
more than one person at a time.
! Observe the information on the maximum
loading capacity of the individual cargo tie-
down points.
If you use several cargo tie-down points to
secure a load, you must always take the 242
Securing loadsTransporting loads
Hood release lever in the driver's footwell
Observe the safety notes when you open the
hood.
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Pull release handle 0043on the hood.
The hood is released. X
Reach into the gap and push lever 0044on the
hood catch up. X
Swing the hood upwards until support strut
0087 engages and the hood is supported.
Closing the hood G
WARNING
If the hood is unlatched, it could tip forward
during rapid deceleration of the vehicle and
hit persons or objects within its path. There is
a risk of an accident and injury.
Therefore, always make sure that the hood is closed and locked completely before driving
off.
If the hood is not locked and you are already
driving at walking pace:
R the yellow 003Eindicator lamp in the
instrument cluster goes on for vehicles
without steering-wheel buttons.
R the 003E Hood open
Hood open display appears for
vehicles with steering-wheel buttons.
! When you press the support strut back,
make sure that you do not press it against
the detent position and cause it to bend.
! Do not use your hands to push the hood
down. You could damage it otherwise.
X Lift the hood slightly.
X Press support strut 0087towards the back.
X Lower the hood and allow it to fall with
momentum from a height of approximately
1 ft (30 cm).
The hood locks audibly.
X Check that the hood is correctly locked.
If the hood can be raised slightly, it is not
properly engaged. If the hood is not cor-
rectly engaged, open the hood again. Let
the hood fall with a little more momentum. Engine compartment
249Maintenance and care Z
Overview of the engine compartment
Example: engine
0043
Coolant expansion tank cap
(Ypage 253)
0044 DEF filler neck cap 4
(Y page 148)
0087 Engine oil filler neck cap (Y page 250)
0085 Brake fluid expansion tank cap
(Ypage 254)
0083 Washer fluid reservoir cap (Y page 255)
Regularly check the fluid level and the assem- bly for leaks. If you detect fluid loss, e.g. oil
flecks on the vehicle parking space, consult a qualified specialist workshop immediately. Engine oil
General notes !
Engine oil gets dirty in the course of oper-
ation and its quality and volume are gradu- ally diminished. Regularly check the oil
level, and top up or have it replaced as nee-
ded.
Observe the information on engine oils and oil
consumption in the "Technical data" section
(Y page 322).
You can check the oil level in the engine:
R on the display of the on-board computer
R with the oil dipstick Checking the oil level shown in the dis-
play If at extremely low temperatures no engine oil
level is displayed after 5 minutes, repeat the
engine oil level check after another
5 minutes.
If an oil level reading is still not displayed,
check the engine oil level with the dipstick
(Y page 251). Have the engine oil level
checked at a qualified specialist workshop.
Only check the oil level when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
X Park the vehicle on a level surface.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait 5 minutes.
X Turn the key to position 2in the ignition
lock.
The display is activated.
X Vehicles without steering wheel but-
tons: press the 0079menu button on the
instrument cluster (Y page 34) repeatedly
until the display shows the 00AFsymbol.
The --:--
--:-- display message appears in the
display while the engine oil level measure-
ment is running.
X Vehicles with steering wheel buttons:
press the 0098service button on the instru-
ment cluster (Y page 34).
The 00B2 Engine Engine oil
oillevel
level Measuring
Measuring
in progress
in progress display message appears in
the display while the engine oil level meas-
urement is in progress.
Display message for vehicles without
steering-wheel buttons: the display may
show the following messages after the engine oil level measurement. 00AF Action
OK OK X
Do not add oil. 4
For Cargo Van/Passenger Van only 250
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
– 1.0 qts
– 1.0 qts X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 252).
X Check the engine oil level
again after a few minutes. – 1.5 qts – 1.5 qts
– 2.0 qts
– 2.0 qts
HI
HI The oil level is too high.
X Have excess oil removed. Measurement units in the display:
R qts
qts USA only
R ltr
ltr Canada only
Display message for vehicles with steer-
ing-wheel buttons: the display may show
the following messages after the engine oil
level measurement. 00AF Action
Engine
Engine
oil level oil level
OK OK X
Do not add oil. Engine
Engine
oil Add oil Add
1.0 quart 1.0 quart X
Add the amount of oil
shown (Y page 252).
X Check the engine oil level
again after a few minutes. Engine Engine
oil Add oil Add
1.5 1.5
quarts
quarts Engine
Engine
oil Add oil Add
2.0 2.0
quarts
quarts Engine
Engine
oil level oil level
Reduce Reduce
oil level oil level The oil level is too high.
X Have excess oil removed. Eng. oil
Eng. oil
lev. Turn lev. Turn
ignition ignition
on for on for
level level X
Turn the key to position 2
in the ignition lock. Observe
Observe
wait. wait.
period period X
Repeat the engine oil
measurement after about
5 minutes if the engine is
at normal operating tem-
perature.
X Repeat the engine oil
measurement after about
30 minutes if the engine is
not at normal operating
temperature. Engine Engine
oil level oil level
Not when Not when
eng. run‐ eng. run‐
ning ning X
Switch off the engine
when it is at normal oper-
ating temperature and
wait approximately
5 minutes before measur- ing the engine oil level. Measurement units in the display:
R qts qts USA only
R ltr
ltr Canada only
Checking the oil level using the oil dip-
stick Example: 4-cylinder diesel engine Engine compartment
251Maintenance and care Z
Example: 6-cylinder diesel engine
For vehicles with a red oil dipstick, only checkthe oil level when the engine is at normal
operating temperature:
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Switch off the engine.
X Wait 5 minutes.
For vehicles with a yellow oil dipstick, only
check the oil level when the engine is cold.
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Pull out oil dipstick 0043.
X Wipe oil dipstick 0043using a lint-free cloth.
X Insert oil dipstick 0043back into the guide
tube as far as it will go and remove it again.
If the level is between minimum mark 0087
and maximum mark 0044, the oil level is cor-
rect.
X If the oil level has dropped to or below min-
imum mark 0087, open cap 0085and add
engine oil (Y page 252).
The difference in quantity between
marks 0044and 0087is approximately
2 US quarts (2 liters).
X Insert the oil dipstick into the guide tube as
far as it will go.
X Close the hood (Y page 249). OM651 4-cylinder diesel engine:
At outside temperatures between 32 ‡
(–0 †) and 86 ‡ (30 †), the oil level can be
checked when the engine is cold.
Measuring the engine oil when the engine is
cold is less precise than measuring when the
engine is at normal operating temperature.
When the appropriate warning is shown in the
display
X Add engine oil (Y page 252)
or X Have engine oil siphoned off.
Add engine oil G
WARNING
If engine oil comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Make sure that engine oil is not spilled next to
the filler neck. Let the engine cool down and
thoroughly clean the engine oil off the com-
ponents before starting the engine.
! The alternator is located below the engine
oil filler neck. If engine oil spills onto the
alternator, there is a danger of alternator
damage. Be very careful when adding
engine oil. H
Environmental note
When adding oil, take care not to spill any. If
oil enters the soil or waterways, it is harmful to the environment.
! Do not add too much oil. adding too much
engine oil can result in damage to the
engine or to the catalytic converter. Have
excess engine oil siphoned off.
! Do not use any additives in the engine oil.
This could damage the engine.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Unscrew and remove cap 0085.
X Add engine oil. 252
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care
X
Replace cap 0085on the filler neck and
tighten.
When doing so, make sure that the cap
engages correctly.
X Check the oil level with the oil dipstick
(Y page 251) or on the display
(Y page 250).
X Close the hood. Coolant
G
WARNING
The engine cooling system is pressurized, par- ticularly when the engine is warm. When
opening the cap, you could be scalded by hotcoolant spraying out. There is a risk of injury.
Let the engine cool down before opening the
cap. Wear eye and hand protection when
opening the cap. Open the cap slowly half a
turn to allow pressure to escape.
Only check the coolant level and/or fill the
coolant if the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine has cooled down. The coolant tem-
perature must be below 122 ‡ (50 †).
! Check the engine cooling and heating sys-
tem regularly for leaks.
If a large quantity of coolant is lost, have the
cause traced and rectified at a qualified
specialist workshop. G
WARNING
Coolant contains glycol and is therefore toxic. Do not swallow the coolant. See a doctor
immediately if you swallow coolant.
Make sure that coolant does not come into
contact with skin, eyes or clothing. In case of
contact with eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of clean water. Clean affected areas of skin and clothing with soap and water imme-
diately. Change any affected clothing imme-
diately. G
WARNING
If antifreeze comes into contact with hot com- ponents in the engine compartment, it may
ignite. There is a risk of fire and injury.
Let the engine cool down before you add anti-
freeze. Make sure that antifreeze is not spilled
next to the filler neck. Thoroughly clean the
antifreeze from components before starting
the engine.
! Take care not to spill any coolant on pain-
ted surfaces. You could otherwise damage
the paintwork. Example: cap and coolant expansion tank
Checking the coolant level
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Slowly turn cap 0043half a turn counter-
clockwise to allow excess pressure to
escape.
X Turn cap 0043further and remove it.
X Check the coolant level.
If the coolant reaches the maximum mark
on coolant expansion tank 0044, there is
enough coolant in coolant expansion
tank 0044. Engine compartment
253Maintenance and care Z
Adding coolant
X If the coolant drops under the minimum
mark on coolant expansion tank 0044, add
coolant to the maximum mark.
Observe the information on coolant mix-
ture ratio and water quality in the "Techni-
cal data" section (Y page 325). To prevent
damage to the engine cooling system, use
only approved corrosion inhibitor/anti-
freeze that comply with the Mercedes-Benz Specifications for Service Products.
X Replace cap 0043and turn it clockwise to
tighten.
X Start the engine.
X After approximately 5 minutes, switch off
the engine and allow it to cool down.
X Check the coolant level again and add cool-
ant if necessary.
X Close the hood. Brake fluid
G
WARNING
Service products may be poisonous and haz-
ardous to health. There is a risk of injury.
Comply with instructions on the use, storage
and disposal of service products on the labels of the respective original containers. Always
store service products sealed in their original containers. Always keep service products out
of the reach of children.
Brake fluid is hazardous to health. Also
observe the safety notes in the "Service prod-
ucts and capacities" section (Y page 318).G
WARNING
The brake fluid constantly absorbs moisture
from the air. This lowers the boiling point of
the brake fluid. If the boiling point of the brake fluid is too low, vapor pockets may form in the brake system when the brakes are applied
hard. This would impair braking efficiency.
There is a risk of an accident. You should have the brake fluid renewed at
the specified intervals.
! Brake fluid corrodes paint, plastic and
rubber. If paint, plastic or rubber has come into contact with brake fluid, rinse with
water immediately.
Have the brake fluid renewed every 2 years at
a qualified specialist workshop. Observe the
information on brake fluid in the "Technical
data" section (Y page 324). Check the brake fluid level regularly, e.g.
weekly or when refueling.
Checking the brake fluid level
X Stop your vehicle as far away from traffic as
possible on level ground.
X Switch off the engine.
X Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling
away.
X Open the hood (Y page 248).
X Check the brake fluid level.
The brake fluid level is correct if the level is
between the MIN mark and MAX mark on
brake fluid reservoir 0043.
X Close the hood.
! If the brake fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir has fallen to the MIN mark or
below, check the brake system immedi-
ately for leaks. Also check the thickness of the brake linings. Visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.
Do not add brake fluid. This does not cor-
rect the malfunction. 254
Engine compartmentMaintenance and care